By George, he could have been Costanza: Adam Hills brings Jake Johannsen to Melbourne International Comedy Festival

John Bailey

American Jake Johannsen will share the laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Photo: Supplied

A stand-up's life is defined by touring, and even the rare HBO special or spot on QI doesn't change the fact that most comics worth their salt are more acquainted with hotel rooms than their own bed.

However, economies of scale mean that Australia doesn't see a lot of the world's top comedians as visiting four or five cities here takes about the time in which you can visit twice that number in the US or Europe.

It's good to see Adam Hills getting in on the producing game, bringing out one of America's leading stand-ups for this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Jake Johannsen​ may not be a household name in Australia, but his career includes a record 46 spots on the Late Show with David Letterman. He also was reputedly Jerry Seinfeld's​ first choice for the role of George Constanza.

Hills got chummy with Johannsen after catching his act at Kilkenny's The Cat Laughs Festival and offered to bring the comic to Australia.